Watch Rabbi Wolff - A Gentleman before God

Rabbi Wolff - A Gentleman before God is a documentary film about the life of William Wolff, a German Jewish immigrant who became one of the most influential rabbis in Britain. The movie follows the 87-year-old Rabbi Wolff as he reflects on his long and eventful life, from his early years in Berlin to his arrival in Britain in the 1930s, his service in the British army during World War II, his conversion to Judaism, and his work as a rabbi in various communities in the UK.

The film is directed by Britta Wauer and features interviews with Rabbi Wolff, his wife Lola, his children, and various members of the Jewish community who have been touched by his wisdom, kindness, and humor. Through their testimonies, we learn about Rabbi Wolff's dedication to Jewish tradition, his passion for social justice, and his unwavering commitment to his faith and his community.

The movie is divided into several chapters, each of which covers a different aspect of Rabbi Wolff's life and career. In the first chapter, we see him reminiscing about his childhood in Berlin, where he grew up in a secular Jewish family and was never particularly interested in religion. However, as he grew older, he began to feel a sense of longing for something greater than himself, and this eventually led him to explore his Jewish roots and traditions.

In the second chapter, we learn about Rabbi Wolff's arrival in Britain as a refugee from Nazi Germany in 1939. After spending some time in an internment camp on the Isle of Man, he was released and allowed to join the British army, where he served as a medical orderly and eventually became a captain. Through his military service, Rabbi Wolff gained a sense of belonging and purpose, and his experiences during the war would later inform his work as a rabbi, particularly in his advocacy for peace and reconciliation.

In the third chapter, we see Rabbi Wolff describe his conversion to Judaism, which he did in the early 1950s after meeting his future wife Lola, a Holocaust survivor who had lost most of her family in the war. This was a pivotal moment for Rabbi Wolff, as it marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of spiritual exploration and growth. He went on to study at the Leo Baeck College in London, and then embarked on a career as a rabbi, working in communities across the country and inspiring countless people with his wisdom and compassion.

Throughout the film, we see Rabbi Wolff interacting with members of his current congregation, the Westminster Synagogue, where he has been the honorary life president since 1995. We also see him taking part in various community events and interfaith dialogues, where he shares his insights on topics such as the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the importance of love and compassion in the face of adversity.

One of the highlights of the film is the way it captures Rabbi Wolff's wit and humor, which are evident in every scene. Even at the age of 87, he has an infectious sense of humor that endears him to everyone he meets, and his jokes and anecdotes provide a welcome relief from the weighty topics he discusses.

Overall, Rabbi Wolff - A Gentleman before God is a moving and inspiring portrait of a remarkable man who has devoted his life to serving others and living a life of meaning and purpose. The film celebrates Rabbi Wolff's legacy and leaves us with a deep sense of gratitude for his wisdom, his compassion, and his unwavering dedication to his faith and his community.

Rabbi Wolff - A Gentleman before God is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.